My State of Wyoming is projected to have the highest average premiums under ObamaCare of any State in the Nation that is subject to the Federal exchange; by far, the highest rate of any State in the Nation. Is it any wonder that because my…

The Congressional Budget Office informed us again yesterday what we already know about our job here in Congress, which is that we must reform entitlement programs in order to save them. We must save them so we can save ourselves from this…

I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I also thank Chairman Hastings of the Natural Resources Committee for bringing this important legislation to the attention of the American people, especially after this tremendous fire season that we've had…

Because, as you know, the Federal Government finds ways to limit States' activities on their own land, as long as it is trapped in a Federal designation of any kind.

Does any of the panel know whether the Forest Service has a disposal list, as does the BLM?

Is it true that when a species is headed for listing, that recovery criteria are established?

I appreciate your clarification.

Most people recognize that committees are bipartisan in nature. We opened up an invitation to the other side.

So it monetizes the conservation of land.

Absolutely I think that we need to do something about de-listing.

The ESA is a subject that needs attention, having its authorization lapse more than 25 years ago.

The Endangered Species Act should not force us to choose wildlife over humans and the economic opportunity necessary to my family and my tribe.

I have always felt that the farmers are the best stewards of the land, because if you are not a steward of your land, you are not going to have a crop.

I am very anxious to find a 21st century conservation strategy that will have robust conservation of species.

Are you aware of any instances where the Endangered Species Act has prevented either coal mining or oil and gas development?

I am here to tell you that we can have both, thriving wildlife populations and good paying jobs created by coal.

I am an advocate for 21st century conservation, a very new and different conservation ethic that recognizes sound science.

I would like to ask whether primacy at the State level, as is sometimes used for environmental regulations, would be something that would be useful for inclusion in the Endangered Species Act.

And when you have depletions of ungulates, especially huntable ungulates, in those kind of proportions, do the number of hunting licenses that are issued drop?

Are there tribal members on the reservation who use big game or wild meat as their main source of protein through the winter?

There are a lot more grizzlies than there were.

I also want to acknowledge my thanks to the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Doc Hastings.

I dare say if you walk down any main street in any town in Wyoming, or probably any town in this country, and say that there is a law on the books that has not been reauthorized for 25 years, should we enforce it, I doubt if you would get…

Are you aware of the goalpost ever moving? In other words, once a species reaches that criteria, the criteria was changed?

It should be possible to balance environmental protection and economic growth.